View Full Version : Samak1:'Ming moon mad!?
Placed here as a long-term reference, in case The Nation pulls the link sometime soon. That said, The Nation usually leaves such article/lists up until the next reshuffle. The original also has the added attraction of photographs of the ministers:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/07/headlines/headlines_30064620.php
PROFILES
Who's who in Samak Cabinet?
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej finally gets his 35 Cabinet members yesterday. Amid criticism over their ability to be playing key roles in the new administration, they are captured into three categories displaying their origins.
The first group is made up of nominees of the 111 banned Thai Rak Thai Party executives. Loyalists of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra make up the second while the third consists of representatives of the coalition.
Nominee group
Somchai Wongsawat : Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister
All his life served as judge but his name involved in politics because of he is husband of Yaowapa, younger sister of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
He decided quitted from Justice Ministry permanent secretary after the coup.
The brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra entered to People Power party as deputy leader. He is said that a nominee of Thaksin and might take the premiership if Samak Sundaravej could not run the job. Yet, he always denied.
Earlier, he will receive the justice minister but it afraid of a criticism that he will cling to power because the ministry is involving the Thaksin cases.
He, therefore, takes the Education minister.
Somchai, 60, graduated in law from Thammasat University and a master degree in Public Administration from National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
Poonpirom Litapanlop: Energy Minister
Wife of seasoned politician Suwat Litapanlop who has been banned from politics for five years. Holds a master degree in chemistry from Kasetsart University and has served with the Army where she served as a lecturer until her early retirement in which she achieved the rank of Lieutenant General. She was also an advisor to the National Defence College.
Poonpirom entered politics in 2006 and a friend describes her as an energy conservationist nut.
Anongwan Thepsuthin: Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Anongwan Thepsuthin, 49, is the wife of former Wang Nam Yom faction leader Somsak Thepsuthin.
She was believed to be Somsak's "nominee" after he was banned from politics with the dissolution of Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party.
Wang Nam Yom members including Anongwan left TRT after the coup. They later formed the Matchima Thipataya party to run in the last election.
After serving as a teacher and education ministry official for 20 years, Anongwan entered politics in 2001 by running under the TRT banner in her hometown of Sukhothai and won the poll. She also ran for election in 2005 and was again victorious.
She had to guide Matchima because her husband and founder of the party, could not. She was promoted to be its secretary general to contest the December 23 election.
Anongwan led her party to tie up with PPP after the election results were announced.
She is set to become a minister in the Samak government, with the firm backing of Somsak, who is familiar with PPP's membership.
Matchima's former leader Prachai Leophairatana quit the party on December 4 when he submitted his resignation, although he later changed his mind.
When the Election Commission affirmed by ruling that Prachai was no longer party leader, it paved the way for Anongwan to nominate candidates for ministerial posts.
Chaovarat Chanweerakul: Deputy Health Minister
He is father or Anuthin Chanweerakul, one of 111 Thai Rak Thai Party executives who has been banned from politics. That is why Aunthin sends his father to become deputy health minister, the position he had helmed earlier.
However, Chaovarat is not new to politics. He once served as deputy finance minister in Chavalit government under the quota of Chart Pattana Party.
Wutthipong Chaisang: Science Minister
Wutthipong, 49, Chachoengsao MP, the younger brother of Chaturon Chaisang, the former Thai Rak Thai party caretaker who was banned from politics for five years. Chaturon pushed for his brother to get his first ministerial post.
Wutthipong entered politics by becoming a Constitution drafter representing Chachoengsao and joined the Constitution drafting panel in 1997. He fully entered politics after winning an MP seat in Chachoengsao under the banner of Thai Rak Thai Party. He was made secretary to the deputy industry minister.
Ranongrak Suwanchawee: Deputy Finance Minister
Ranongrak was elected as a senator from Nakhon Ratchasima but was not endorsed because of the coup.
Her husband Pairoj - a veteran politician and executive of the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party who was banned from politics for five years - sent her and their son to contest the Korat seats under the Puea Pandin Party. Both won.
Ranongrak entered the Samak Cabinet as a deputy finance minister with the help of her husband Pairoj and the cooperation of Baan Rim Nam faction leader Suchart Tancharoen.
Now 51, she graduated in nursing from Mahidol University.
Suphol Fongngam: Deputy Interior Minister
Suphol was a member of the inner circle of Wang Nam Yen faction leader Snoh Thienthong before move to become a close aide of Newin Chidchob, whose backing helped him secure a place in the Samak Cabinet.
Suphol has served several terms as an MP from Ubon Ratchathani but his new job as deputy interior minister will be his first time in the Cabinet.
The 45-year-old has bachelor's degree in law from Sripatum University and a master's degree in social environmental development from the National Institute of Development Administration.
Teerachai Saenkaew: Deputy Agriculture Minister
A member of the Wang Nam Yom faction and an outspoken MP in ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's now defunct Thai Rak Thai party, Teerachai would defend his party leader against criticism from opponents. A Thaksin loyalist, he stayed with the Thai Rak Thai when his faction leader, Somsak Thepsuthin, jumped party last year's coup.
The 51-year-old politician from Udon Thani switched allegiance to the Newin group, a decision that paid off because he got the job of deputy agriculture minister with Newin's backing.
He has a master's degree in social administration from Thammasat University.
Songsak Thongsri: Deputy Transport Minister
Fifty-year-old Songsak was a member of the Buriram province MP clique that is led by Newin Chidchob. He has been an MP six times and is now representing Newin, in the new cabinet.
Newin was banned from politics for five years by the junta-appointed Constitution Tribunal along with 110 other former Thai Rak Thai party executives.
Songsak holds a master degree in political science from Eastern Asia University and was assistant secretary to Minister of Finance and Minister of Education in the past.
Pongsakorn Annopporn: Deputy Education Minister
Pongsakorn, 47, was a Chart Pattana MP for Khon Kaen three times before moving to the Thai Rak Thai Party. He did not contest the December 23 election, nominating his wife Duangkae to run for the Khon Kaen seat instead.
Even though he is not an MP, he was backed to become deputy education minister by banned former Thai Rak Thai member Newin Chidchob.
Pongsakorn has a master's degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University.
Santi Promphat: Transport Minister
Aged 56, Santi has been on the shortlist for the post since early January and was the only one who was not dropped from the list for the ministry.
He first entered politics a decade ago as MP for Petchaboon province under the then New Aspiration Party and is one of the major financiers for the party leader Chaovalit Yongchaiyuth.
Santi was advisor to the Interior and Transport Minister. As a major real estate tycoon with connections to Thaksin Shinawatra, he was entrusted by Thaksin due to his generous financial contribution and was given the responsibility to oversee MPs in the upper central region and some of the northeastern provinces.
Between 2001 to 2005, he failed to secure a ministerial post but the 19 September 2006 coup eventually gave him the opportunity with higher profile politicians from the TRT being banned from politics.
Sutha Chansaeng: Social Development and Human Security Minister
Sutha, 48, is a former Bangkok MP and close aide to Sudarat Keyuraphan. He has followed Sudarat since the Palang Dhamma Party, and she has backed him politically as deputy Bangkok group leader and secretary-general to the Finance minister.
Sutha was one of nine PPP candidates to win in Bangkok in the December 23 election, so it is no surprise Sudarat has endorsed him to take the Social Development and Human Security Ministry in order to maintain her support base in the capital.
See Next Post
Link to original article/list, with pictures of cabinet members, may be long-term:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/07/headlines/headlines_30064620.php
Thaksin's loyalist
Mingkwan Saengsuwan: Deputy Premier and Commerce Minister,
Mingkwan is expected to execute what could be billed as an "improved" version of Thaksin-styled populist policies.
A former director of the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand and senior executive of Toyota Thailand, Mingkwan has a daunting task on his hands in managing the upward pressure on prices of necessity goods under the commerce ministry's supervision.
Mingkwan will also have to help exporters manage the fallout of the US subprime loan crisis which could lead to a slower growth of Thai shipments to the huge American market later this year.
As deputy premier and commerce minister, he is also likely to play a key role in revitalising the tourism sector or promoting the plantation of agriculture crops, which could be used as raw materials for gasohol or biodiesel.
Earlier, he asserted that the tourism industry has the potential to generate as much as Bt1.5 trillion, or 4.2 times more than its present revenue of Bt350 billion per year, so the new government should turn its attention to tourism as a major source of revenue and as a driving force of the economy.
Mingkwan also wants Suvarnabhumi to be the country's only international airport and Don Muang airport to handle only domestic flights and serve as an air cargo or as a lowcost airline hub.
Calling "Thaksinomics" the original brand of populism, Mingkwan said a new and better version has been concocted and he claimed that there would be wider opportunities and more public funding for the grassroots population, the key supporters of the People Power Party in the Dec 23, 2007 election.
Chalerm Yoobumrung: Interior Minister
Chalerm has been a candidate for interior minister since he joined the People Power Party. The deal was allegedly closed after Chalerm flew to England to meet with deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman in Manchester in mid-2007.
Chalerm has been an ally of Thaksin since the ousted premier entered politics. His heyday was during the government of the late Prime Minister Chatchai Choonhavan. He was a minister and Chatchai's close aide who challenged defiant commanders of the armed forces.
Chalerm allegedly eavesdropped on their communication, as his boss suspected they were attempting to stage a coup. The rift led to the coup of February 1991, forcing Chalerm and his family to flee and live in exile for almost a year in Sweden and Denmark.
Chalerm was close to becoming a Cabinet member in the early years of PM Thaksin, if his youngest son had not been involved in a pub shooting that caused the death of a police officer. Chalerm refused to accept the post after the incident.
He returned to politics when he ran for Bangkok governor in 2004 - but lost to Democrat candidate Apirak Kosayodhin.
Choosak Sirinin: PM's Office Minister
A legal adviser to the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Choosak Sirinin was one of the people who stood up to fight against the party's dissolution. Even though Choosak seemed to keep a low profile, he proved to be reliable enough to be made legal adviser to the People Power Party and is now serving as the party's deputy secretary-general.
Before taking over as PM's office minister, Choosak was expected to become House Speaker, but instead he handed the post over to Yongyuth Tiyapairat.
Choosak, 59, earned a master's degree in Comparative Law from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, US.
Sompong Amornwiwat: Justice Minister
A severaltime MP from Chiang Mai, Sompong has previously headed several ministries, including labour, industry and the PM's Office Ministry.
After the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved and its 111 executives banned from politics last May, the 66-year-old played the role of "big brother" by chairing a panel to screen new executives for the ad hoc Thai Rak Thai Group.
Sompong did not play a significant role in the party while Thaksin Shinawatra was in power, which turned out to be good for him because he was not banned from politics like the party's executives.
After the People Power Party was established as a base for former Thai Rak Thai members, Sompong volunteered to become deputy party leader and was temporarily appointed chairman of the government whip.
Noppadon Pattama: Foreign Minister
More recently the Shinawatra family's legal adviser, Noppadon Pattama joined the Thai Rak Thai Party because the then Natural Resources and Environment minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat invited him to reform the law during the Thaksin administration.
Noppadon was assistant minister to Yongyuth for 89 days before the coup that ousted Thaksin.
Soon afterwards, he resurfaced to represent the Shinawatra clan. He became famous for using the phrase: "As the Shinawatra family's legal adviser" in published statements to defend Thaksin when the ex-PM was accused of wrongdoing.
A prominent case was when the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) moved to freeze Thaksin's assets worth Bt7.3 billion. He lashed out at the AEC every day.
He earned a master's degree in law at Thammasat Universityand a master's degree in bar council at Lincoln's Inn, Oxford University.
He was once appointed sec?retary to former Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai when Chuan was opposition leader.
Noppadon and Yongyuth were former Democrat Party MPs.
Surapong Suebwonglee: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
Surapong is a cofounder of the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and a member of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's inner circle.
He was with Thaksin in New York on September 19, 2006, when the coup occurred, but kept a low profile after returning to Thailand the following month.
Surapong had appeared set to return to the private sector, but saw an opportunity to continue his political career after the People Power Party was formed. A former government spokesman and minister, he was made party secretary general.
Surapong was expected to take an important job if the party won the election, however, no one expected he would be made head of the Samak government's economic team.
Surapong was involved in implementation of the Bt30 national health scheme, and initially served as deputy Public Health Minister. But a conflict with key TRT members prompted Thaksin to make him Information and Communications Technology (ICT) minister.
After failing to secure a Cabinet seat in the Thaksin II administration, he decided to leave politics to help run a slimming centre business with his wife.
However, he returned to politics as government spokesman before Thaksin's government was overthrown by the coup.
Now 50, Surapong has a medical degree from Mahidol University. He is one of The "Tula (October) people" - a student involved in the October 1973 who had to flee to the jun?gle after the crackdown in October 1976.
He said recently he would phase out his business career in order to take up a fulltime role in the new government.
Jakrapob Penkair: PM's Office Minister and Government Spokesman
Jakrapob Penkair is better known as a celebrity, especially after his work as a presenter for the Apec summit hosted in Thailand in 2003.
His performance during Apec impressed then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who asked Jakrapob to serve as a government spokesperson.
He has since developed a reputation for being outspoken, mainly because he always stood up to speak to journalists, sometimes even on behalf of other government officials.
At one point, Thaksin even said his spokesman had spoken out of turn. This comment came after Jakrapob publicly declared that the European Union had agreed to restore preferential tariffs for Thai shrimp exports in exchange for the purchase of an Airbus aircraft.
Jakrapob ran in the 20052006 elections but failed. However, Thaksin appointed him as deputy secretary-general to prime minister in 2006.
When the Thai Rak Thai Party was dissolved, he and other loyal aides of Thaksin set up a cableTV station called Public Television (PTV) to broadcast their sentiment against the junta.
Later, PTV members rallied against the Council for National Security (CNS), and created the Democracy Alliance Against Dictatorship group.
Jakrapob and other anticoup leaders were detained for two weeks over charges of leading an unauthorised rally outside the residence of Privy Council Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, which erupted into a riot last July.
Jakrapob, 41, has a bachelor's degree in political science from Chulalongkorn University, and a master's from John Hopkins University in the US.
After completing his education, he started his career with the Charoen Pokphand (CP) group, before resigning to serve as an official diplomat and then a television host.
See next post
Link to original article/list, with pictures of cabinet members, may be long-term:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/07/headlines/headlines_30064620.php
Party representatives
Sompat Kaewpichit: Deputy Agriculture Minister
Sompat, 46, has a degree in political science from Thammasat University and an MBA in management from the US.
He entered politics under the Chart Thai banner and won in three elections.
Sompat, who served secretary to the agriculture minister in 1998, was chosen to become deputy agriculture minister after Kamol Jiraphanwanitch decided not to take the position due to possible violation of the conflict of interest law.
Sanan Kachornprasart: Deputy Prime Minister
Sanan decided to leave the Mahachon Party for Chart Thai a few months before the December 23 election.
His heyday was when he was secretary-general of the Democrat Party in the 1990s. He played a key role in coordinating with other political factions to back Democrat leader Chuan Leekpai to become the prime minister for two terms.
In 1997, after Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned following the economic crisis, Sanan succeeded in lobbying 12 MPs of the Prachakorn Thai Party under Samak Sundaravej to switch sides to support Chuan to be the new premier.
However, Sanan was banned from assuming political posts for five years after the Constitution Court in 2000 found him guilty of hiding his assets. He quit the posts of interior minister and the party's secretarygeneral.
Despite his departure, he still had influence in the Democrat Party. He backed Banyat Bantadtan to become the Democrat leader, defeating Abhisit Vejjajiva.
A row with the Abhisit faction forced him to quit the party again after a short return as the party's director for election campaigns. He decided to launch the Mahachon Party in mid-2004 to run the 2005 poll but won just two of the 500 MP seats.
Suwit Khunkitti: Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister
Suwit is a former minister and executive of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai (TRT) Party. He was not among the banned TRT executives because he quit the post in 2005, after he resigned as the information and communications technology minister, due to health reasons.
In mid-2007, following the coup of September 19, 2006, Suwit joined banned TRT member Surakiart Sathirathai to form the Puea Pandin Party. The new political group, allegedly having close ties with the coupmakers, aimed to undermine the stronghold of the People Power Party under deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra's shadow in the North and Northeast.
But the party won only 24 seats. Moreover, Suwit failed to win a seat in his hometown of Khon Kaen. He decided to join the PPP-led coalition as the only way to get into government.
Uraiwan Thienthong: Labour Minister
Uraiwan is a former labour and culture minister in the government of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra. She is the wife of influential Snoh Thienthong, leader of the Pracharaj Party.
She is recognised as a nominee of Snoh, who did not want to take the post himself after he had a row with Thaksin in the now disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.
Banyin Tangphakorn: Deputy Commerce Minister
A close aide to Somsak Thepsuthin and deputy leader for the Matchima Thipataya Party, Banyin Tangphakorn served in the police force before entering politics in 2001 as a Thai Rak Thai member.
He won in Nakhon Sawan during the 2001 elections and again in 2005.
Banyin won the post of deputy commerce minister by pure luck this time because the main contender Sunthorn Wilawan, another Matchima Thaipataya party member, ended up being issued a red card.
Banyin, 46, completed his master's degree in Business Administration from Naresuan University
Man Pattanotai: Information and Communication Technology Minister
The deputy Puea Pan Din Party leader rose to the position with the support of the party's senior advisor Vattana Asavahem of whom Man has been a longtime close aid.
Man is 67-years-old and graduated in law at Thammasat University. He also gained an MA in International Relations and an PhD in Political Science from the USA. He has many years of political experience having served as a Samutprakarn MP four times.
Anusorn Wongwan: Culture Minister
Phrae MP Anusorn , 56, has served as a deputy minister for industry, interior and labour.
He is a son of the late Samakkhi Tham Party (Unity Party) leader Narong Wongwan.
Anusorn earned a master's degree in engineering in the US in 1974.
Virun Techapaibul: Deputy Commerce Minister
Virun, 65, earned a business administration degree from Hawthorn University, USA, and a master degree on corporate finance from Sasin Graduate School.
Born into an old established family, Virun started his career as chairman and director of companies run by the family. His high point was being president of the World Trade Centre, the developer of World Trade Centre which was later sold to Central Group due to huge losses. He was also a director of the State Railways of Thailand in 2003.
Virun joined politics in 1991 when he emerged as an MP before becoming a senator in 1992.
From 1997-2000, he joined several House committees dealing with economic issues including trade and the special economic zone in the South. In 2001, he was the advisor to then PM's Office Minister Krasae Chanawong and two years later advisor to then Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn.
This list continued in next post
Link to original article/list, with pictures of cabinet members, may be long-term:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/07/headlines/headlines_30064620.php
Sahat Banditkul: Deputy Prime Minister
The 57-year-old former deputy Bangkok governor is a close relative of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's wife, Khunying Surat.
Sahat has served as an adviser to Samak since he was transport minister in a Prem government. Samak always brought Sahat into any ministry he headed, and when he rose to become Bangkok governor, Sahat was made first deputy governor.
Sithichai Kowsurat: Deputy Interior minister
Graduated with bachelor degree from Ramkhamhaeng University, Sithichait, 48, was in local politics being Ubon Ratchathani provincial councilor before becoming Ubon Ratchathani MP in 1995. Sithichai is the brain child of Preecha Laohapongchana, one of Puea Pandin party leaders, who is among 111 Thai Rak Thai Party executives banned from politics.
Sithichai was assistant secretary to industry minister and finance minister. He is a key suspect in the case that the People Power Party's political registrar was accused of falsifying his name to apply as PPP member. If investigators find grounds, the party could be dissolved.
Anurak Jureemas: Deputy Transport Minister
Former Roi Et MP for several times and deputy Chart Thai party leader. He is a close aide of Chart Thai' leader Banharn Silapaarcha. He served as minister because of Banharn.
In the Samak cabinet under quota of Chart Thai, Anurak was expected to become a minister definitely.
The 47-year-old used to be deputy Industry minister, deputy Agriculture minister, Social Development and Human Security minister and Culture minister.
Anurak completed a bachelor degree in Law from Ramkhamhaeng University.
Chaiya Sasomsap: Public Health Minister
Now 55, he was MP since 1995 and ever took deputy Transport minister in 2001. Newin Chidchob has backed his ministerial.
His family is known as Nakhon Pathom's godfather because the Sasomsap family members are politicians and ruled the election's Nakhom Pathom seats for a long time.
Boonlue Prasertsopha: Education Minister
Aged 40 and a two-time MP of Ratchaburi province. He was awarded an outstanding MP by the parliament for having never failed to attend a house session for a period of four years.
This caught the eyes of Thaksin and Boonlue was promoted to assistant secretary to the Interior Minister.
Boonlue graduated from Mahidhol University with a masters degree in Appropriate technology for Resources Development. Before entering politics he was a journalist for Khao Sod and Baan Muang newspapers.
Somsak Prissanananthakul: Agriculture Minister
Somsak, 57, and righthand man of Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapaarcha.
Chart Thai Party deputy leader Somsak Prissanananthakul received a Bachelor's Degree from Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Sciences and Master Degree from Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Sciences. He had been an MP of Ang Thong Province under the banner of Chart Thai Party for eight terms.
In 1995, Banharn appointed him to the post of government spokesman, the job that catapulted him into the media spotlight.
During the Chuan 2 administration, Somsak was appointed education minister in 1999 and rose to become the first deputy House speaker in 2001. He made his name by carrying out his role with neutrality.
A highly-trusted aide of Banharn, Somsak can speak on behalf of Banharn on every occasion whenever the party or Banharn himself is hit by adverse publicity.
Pradit Pattaraprasit: Deputy Finance Minister,
Pradit, 53 was in the hotel and kitchenware business before joining the Democrat Party.
Then Democrat Party secretary-general Sanan Kachornprasart persuaded him to run as Phichit MP candidate under the banner of the Democrat Party in 1995, which he won and again in the following year. He was appointed chairman for the House committee on sports.
In 1997, when former prime minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh stepped down and the Democrats led the coalition government, Pradit was appointed deputy transport minister.
In 1999, when Sanan was banned from politics for five years for declaring false assets to the National Counter Corruption Commission, Pradit was appointed as the party caretaker secretary-general. Sanan tried to angle Pradit into his place but failed because former Democrat Party leader Chuan Leekpai appointed former interior ministry permanent secretary Aant Anantakul to the post.
In 2005, the Democrats saw a change of the party management, Banyat Bantadtan was voted as the new party leader and Pradit was appointed the party secretarygeneral. He came up with then "hot" debt moratorium policy under the name "Itaen Plee Cheep" to compete with the Thai Rak Thai Party in Isaan.
After the September 2007 coup, Pradit made headlines again after the left the Democrats in the middle of election campaign and established a new political group Ruam Jai Thai which later merged with Suwat Liptapanlop's group and established the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana Party to compete in the December 23 election. Pradit became the party secretary-general.
Weerasak Kowsurat: Tourism and Sports Minister
Weerasak, 43, he was regarded as the person who helped upgrade the Chart Thai Party's image to be more modern, with his master's law degree from Harvard Law School in the US. Chart Thai had always been looked local to the public.
Weerasak has taken over the responsibility of the party's protocol and legal affairs and not shy in offering his vision.
In 19951996 when Banharn was appointed PM, Weerasak was made deputy PM secretary-general and in 2002-2003, was appointed advisor to the social development and human security minister during Thaksin I government.
Link to original article/list, with pictures of cabinet members, may be long-term:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/07/headlines/headlines_30064620.php
Wisarut
10-02-08, 06:18 PM
Well, How can I put the trust on those populist policies since it has been known that theyr policies is full of corruption and collusion :(
Furthermore, they are appyling Thuggish measures on the poor patients (the case of CL) ... and askign the poor patients to eat sandal wood for crematorium pyre INSTEAD. This is a clear sign that they are Lying the public ... by breaking the Oath in front of His majesty :eek: It is the matter of time they will confrnt with tragic end ...
Now, Even Khun Ekayut and the gang are turning AGAINST Papa Prem due to His revenge AGAINST Pap Prem who come to destroy the Pyramid Scheme ... :(
http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/6271/23/
Father of Newin appointed as government whip chairman
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has endorsed Chai Chidchob as government whip chairman, a source said.
Chai led 42 People Power Party MPs and other MPs from the coalition parties to coordinate works between MPs and the Cabinet.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/20/politics/politics_30065958.php
Here's a thread on Chai's son, Newin Chidchob:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2070
See also previous post on dubious appointments by this government.
Wan survives the cut
(BangkokPost.com)
The cabinet shrugged off public distaste on Wednesday and appointed controversial Wan Yubamrung and Chonsawat Asavahame as assistants to cabinet ministers.
The duo survived a debate, during which even Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej agreed that their appointments were of dubious taste.
But the full cabinet met on Wednesday and approved the entire list of secretaries and advisers to cabinet ministers, and ex-nightclub brawler Mr Wan, along with Mr Chonsawat, who is currently on trial for assault and battery on a policeman, made the cut.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair announced the list without fanfare.
Mr Wan, son of Interior Minister Chalerm, is to be secretary to Deputy Public Health Minister Chawarat Charnveerakul as expected.
Mr Chonsawat, son of Puea Pandin party chief and Samut Prakan province political powerhouse Mr Vatana, will serve as secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Sithichai Kohsurat.
Mr Wan, who changed his name from Wanchalerm, was involved in a brawl at a Bangkok nightclub in 2001. He was convicted of assault in 2004 and banned from entering entertainment venues for two years.
He violated the ban the following year and was again involved in a pub fight, prompting the Criminal Court to extend his probation period to 2007 and order him to do 48 hours of community service. His brother Duang, then Duangchalerm, was accused of shooting a policeman to death in a nightclub brawl during the same period, but was acquitted after witnesses told the court they didn't see anything.
In May last year, police filed charges against Mr Chonsawat, accusing him of refusing to take an alcohol breathalyser test, and instructing his aides to assault a police officer.
Other appointees include Yuranan Pamornmontree as adviser to Education Ministry and Kasem Rattanasunthorn as adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=126049
Isn't Yuranan Pamorntree AKA Khun Sam the soap opera star and doyenne of the bodysnatchers. What does he know about education? Yes, it is! Here's a thread on Khun Sam & other celeb pols:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=511
See also this complete thread on the previous antics of some of the dubious appointees mentioned above:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1360
Chonsawat retreats
Published on February 22, 2008
Chonsawat Asavahame, a son of Puea Pandin Party's chief adviser, has declined the post of interior minister's secretary, saying he wanted to clear up any questions about him first.
Chonsawat is facing court charges over an attack on a police officer. He is also appealing a guilty ruling in an electoral fraud case.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/22/headlines/headlines_30066116.php
Wan starts work at Health Ministry
(BangkokPost.com) - Wan Yubamrung, son of Interior Minister Chalerm, left his home early on Friday to begin his first day of work as assistant secretary to Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsab, his father said.
Mr Chalerm said Mr Wan is not available to give interviews to media on the phone.
He added that he gave his son advice on how to work at the ministry.
The appointment of Mr Wan triggered widespread criticism. Mr Wan, who changed his name from Wanchalerm, was involved in a brawl at a Bangkok nightclub in 2001. He was convicted of assault in 2004 and banned from entering entertainment venues for two years.
Mr Wan violated the ban the following year and was again involved in a pub fight, prompting the Criminal Court to extend his probation period to 2007 and order him to do 48 hours of community service.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=126080
See also two previous posts.
VVV That's actually the frightening bit. :eek: VVV
I'll show I can do the job: Wan
Two government office holders whose appointments were marked by controversy pleaded on Friday for a chance to work before being judged on their eligibility.
Wan Yoobamrung insisted he could shed his bad boy image in dispensing his duties as secretary to Deputy Public Health Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul.
..........
At the Public Health Ministry, Wan was greeted to a warm welcoming ceremony organised by Public Health permanent secretary Prat Boonyawongwirot.
"For my mistakes in the past, I apologise for being a nuisance to society and would like to ask for a chance to serve the country as my penance," he said in reference to his past involvement in pub brawls.
In regard to speculation he might become a presenter in the awareness campaign against smoking and drinking, he said he would have to consult with parties concerned as he had not yet given up either habit.
"I don't think I would be a good role model as I am still drinking and smoking on an on again, off again basis," he said.
He expected to withstand any pressure and devote his time to work as proof of being reformed.
He said he was not a target of any legal proceedings, hence he found no cause to quit his job like Chonsawat Asavahame who resigned as secretary to Deputy Interior Minister Sithichai Kowsurat.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/22/politics/politics_30066189.php
Thailand’s New ‘Good Neighbor’
http://www.irrawaddy.org/articlefiles/10570-26feb2008.jpg
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
HARN LAY / THE IRRAWADDY |
http://www.irrawaddy.org/cartoon.php?cat_id=9
Jobs for the Boys
Harrison George
29 February 2008
Alien Thoughts
I think I got this all wrong. I thought we just had a bunch of incompetents running the place. Understandable, in a way. I mean, when over a hundred of your first choices are banned from public office for five years, you're bound to see some really ropey substitutes take to the field.
That, I assumed, is why we've got a doctor and nurse in charge of the nation's finances, a judge responsible for the schools, a teacher looking after the country's natural resources, and a political scientist running agriculture.
And apart from these cases, where we all have to hope that On The Job training really does work, we have the straightforwardly dodgy cases. The owner of a public works company will be giving out road-building contracts. The Minister of Public Health fondly dreams that he's richer than Big Pharma. And the Minister of the Interior seems to think wars on drugs are won by increasing the body count over last time.
Not forgetting of course, our dear PM, whose ability to forget history, even when he was there at the time, turns the country into an international laughing stock. He can't even remember his own face in a photograph if the other person caught on camera happens to be a certified tyrant.
But in a way, this is what comes of using the lottery of an election to choose the country's leaders. Yes, we could and should have something better, but well, that's just how things turned out.
Not so when we come to appointments. And here we see a novel recruitment policy at work. A notorious night-club brawler is given the job of persuading the youth of the country not to get blotto. A police officer involved in human rights violations is tasked with protecting people who have been victims of, er, human rights violations by the police.
The principle seems to be that if we want someone to safeguard something, then you should find someone who has a proven record of stealing, corrupting, violating or otherwise buggering up whatever it is we want to safeguard.
This strategy will become more apparent as further abrupt transfers and appointments are made public. Prachatai has come into possession of certain documentary evidence that shows the way the national administration is drifting. The selection of winning candidates for even the most peripheral, nondescript positions shows an alarming trend.
The coach of the national football team, for example, is about to undergo a change, according to documents leaked from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Experience in managing leading teams, professional coaching certificates, and even a career as a player at the international level, all count for nothing. The job is about to go to a "feller who knows some fellers in Hong Kong" so whenever you want Thailand to win, you just give them the nod, guaranteed, you could bet your house on it. Which they probably will.
The search for a professor to assume the chair of modern languages at a leading university has passed over candidates with prestigious degrees, long lists of professional publications, and fluency in a number of languages. The successful applicant is instead someone whose acceptance speech, according to a tape made available to Prachatai, consisted of "Well, like, I mean, yeah, I fink that's real nice, innit?"
The next Chief of the Marine Police is a person whose previous experience on water is restricted to the pedaloes on Lumphini Park lake. The Office of Road Traffic Management will soon be headed by a former driver of a Number 45 bus whose specialty was setting down passengers in the outside lane. And the Ministry of Culture will soon announce that the Director of the Office of Archaeology will be someone who is currently a current gang-leader of rag-pickers and garbage sifters at Soi Onnuj municipal dump.
But perhaps most surprising of all is the rumour that the position of Prime Minister will fall vacant much earlier than has been expected. Head-hunting has not yet started and so no applications have been submitted. But the search committee has already begun drafting the necessary qualifications. The first requirement, Prachatai is reliably informed, is a publicly verified history of repeatedly and consistently denying any desire to take the job.
I wonder who'll they get for that. http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=540
See also two previous posts.
VVV That's actually the frightening bit. :eek: VVV
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/22/politics/politics_30066189.php
Mr "Happy Toilet" Wan
The Public Health Ministry Friday appointed Wan Yoobamrung "Mr Happy Toilet" to promote a campaign for clean public toilets.
"I dreamt when I was a child that if I ever worked here at the Public Health Ministry I would make all the toilets in the country flush toilets," Wan says.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30070134
See also previous post.
http://thaicrisis.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/toilet.jpg
[Photo: Bangkok Pundit]
See also previous post.
http://thaicrisis.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/toilet.jpg
[Photo: Bangkok Pundit]
'Give Duang a chance'
Published on April 23, 2008
By Tossaporn Wongwalakayoot,
Montien Inthaket
Daily Xpress
Chalerm's second son rejoins the Army despite his dishonourable discharge in 2002 - all with the PM's blessings
Prime Minister Samak Sun-daravej says he has approved Duang Yoobamrung's application to rejoin the military, adding that he is not worried about any political fallout.
Duang, the son of outspoken Interior Minister Chalerm, was dishonourably discharged in 2002 on charges of desertion. In 2001, Duang had fled to Malaysia after being accused of shooting an on-duty decorated police officer in a nightclub brawl.
He surrendered the following year and was acquitted from the charges later.
Samak, who kept quiet all yesterday morning, finally broke his silence in the afternoon after the Cabinet meeting, acknowledging that he has okayed Duang's application and that the media should not make a big deal out of it because "he is just one individual".
However, speculation is rife about Chalerm having lobbied certain channels to get his son back in the military.
Duang served as a sub-lieutenant in the Armed Forces Security Centre, the main intelligence unit for the military, before being discharged in 2001.
In an interview with Daily Xpress, Duang said he was not being "reinstated", but that he had applied to become a commissioned officer in line with "family tradition". "It's a big misunderstanding. I was not reinstated. I applied for it a few years ago with my qualifications. I didn't find out about it until the prime minister made a statement today."
Echoing Samak's reasoning, Duang's older brother Wan said his sibling has every right to return to the military because he was not found guilty of any crime.
"The court acquitted him [of alleged murder]. If Duang was not a son of Chalerm Yoobamrung, his return to the Army would not be a big issue at all," Wan said.
He added that Duang would have been a captain by now if it weren't for the legal dispute. "I beg you all to give him a chance. My family wants to make a contribution to this society."
Supatra Rodwimut, wife of murdered Sergeant Suwichai Rodwimut, said she was shocked. "I have no words to describe how I feel. I'm just an ordinary woman. I have no power to fight. I hope one day the sin he committed will catch up with him."
Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niampradit declined to comment, saying he has yet to be informed.
XTRA
IN A NUTSHELL
>> Oct 29, 2001: Sergeant Suwichai Rodwimut is shot dead inside the Twenty Pub, allegedly during a brawl with Duang Yoobamrung and his friends. Police call Duang for questioning but he disappears. Police begin a nationwide search but fail to find him.
>> May 2, 2002: After six months on the run, Duang walks into the Thai Embassy in Malaysia and says: "Help me get home". He shows up with his eldest brother, Artharn, and his uncle, Thalerng.
>> March 26, 2004: Duang is acquitted by the Criminal Court on grounds that prosecutors presented insufficient evidence and conflicting witness testimonies.
>> May 25, 2004: Suwichai's wife Supatra appeals against the verdict.
>> July 5-6 , 2004: Prosecutors and police agree not to appeal against the verdict.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/04/23/headlines/headlines_30071352.php
Wisarut
28-04-08, 04:10 PM
Leena Chan showing how Ai Chaloem's boy has bullied the public ... bully unti the victim has spinal cord broken. :eek:
http://www.manager.co.th/Crime/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9510000049417
Continual proof that this Government is "All Balls and No Brains!". Chai Chidchob and his son Newin Chidchob practically run Buri Ram Province as a virtual thiefdom. [Excuse the 'Wisaruthism'! :)]:
Deputy House Speaker Somsak admits strong support for Mr. Chai Chidchob
The Deputy House Speaker, Mr. Somsak Kiatsuranont, says he has not discussed with the core members of the People Power Party, following the Mr. Yongyuth Tiyapairat's resignation as the House Speaker.
Mr. Somsak, who is also one of the contenders for this position, says the appointment would depend on his party's consideration. He, however, admits that there are many people who would like government chief whip Chai Chidchob to replace Mr. Yongyuth, and he does not want to comment on this issue any further.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, who acts as the People Power secretary-general, says he has not been informed about the new House Speaker's appointment as he is currently on duty overseas.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105020002
Details of the SRT land that some say has been illegally expropriated in Chidchob (Buri Ram) Province:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=12199&postcount=241
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10536&postcount=217
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10535&postcount=216
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10530&postcount=215
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10527&postcount=214
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10119&postcount=208
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10116&postcount=207
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=10105&postcount=205
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=6834&postcount=177
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=6816&postcount=170
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3255&postcount=107
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3243&postcount=103
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3236&postcount=101
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3225&postcount=98
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3215&postcount=97
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3213&postcount=96
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3207&postcount=92
The SRT landgrab case also appears to be briefly mentioned in the report below:
PPP factions vying for speaker's post
By Weerayut Chokchaimadon
The Nation
Published on May 3, 2008
Chai Chidchob, Somsak Kiatsuranont top contenders
Factions in the ruling People Power Party have kicked off a new round of internal power play following Yongyuth Tiyapairat's resignation as House Speaker.
Power struggles among the factions has kept undermining the party's integrity since it defeated the Democrat Party in the December 23 election. In the absence of "actual" PPP leader Thaksin Shinawatra, the factions have jostled to control as many Cabinet seats and key Parliament posts as possible.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej knows his job is to keep the PPP running before the real boss returns to the political field, so he will not interrupt their games as long as the fighting does not plunge the whole party into a crisis of faith.
Ahead of Tuesday's meeting of the party's executive board, PPP cliques are pushing for their men to become the new head of the legislative branch.
Chai Chidchob and Somsak Kiatsuranont stand out as favourites to become the sole PPP candidate to replace Yongyuth when House members vote on the issue on Wednesday.
Northeastern MPs under Newin Chidchob's shadow have sent a strong message to the party that they want Chai to become Speaker.
Chai is not only Newin's father but also a long-time House member. Since he is the oldest of the House's 480 MPs, Newin's men claim he has the seniority required for the post.
The Newin gang had earlier fought with the followers of Sudarat Keyuraphan, another close aide to Thaksin, for seats in Samak's Cabinet.
The rise of Chai will reassert the power of his son Newin, who is banned from running in elections for five years.
Somsak represents the other group of party MPs from the Northeast. Although he has less support from local MPs, he is an acceptable choice for other House members, even for government-coalition or opposition parties.
Somsak is preferred over Chai in terms of having a clean record. Chai is facing a charge involving him with a land scandal in his home province of Buri Ram.
Meanwhile, Somsak has proved in recent years that he is tough enough to control House sessions, in which government and opposition MPs had tried to attack each other.
Other candidates - including Somchai Wongsawat, deputy prime minister and education minister, and Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat - are believed to have less of a chance because Samak is unlikely to think of a Cabinet reshuffle after spending only three months in office.
Continual proof that this Government is "All Balls and No Brains!". Chai Chidchob and his son Newin Chidchob practically run Buri Ram Province as a virtual thiefdom. [Excuse the 'Wisaruthism'! :)]:
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105020002
The SRT landgrab case also appears to be briefly mentioned in the report below:
Two articles:
TROUBLE IN STORE
Chai to become new speaker of house
By The Nation
Published on May 13, 2008
Critics protest he is not qualified and faces serious charges which could see him ousted
Veteran politician Chai Chidchob was yesterday elected as the new speaker of the House of Representatives amid concern that his legal troubles might cut short his term.
Critics said yesterday that Chai, who is fighting a court case over encroachment of public land, might face the same fate as his predecessor, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, who recently stepped down to fight an electoral fraud case in the Supreme Court.
Chai yesterday won 283 votes in a secret ballot beating his opponent Democrat Party deputy leader Banyat Bantadtan, by a wide margin. Banyat obtained 158 votes.
There were 12 abstentions and all of them were believed to be MPs from smaller coalition parties, possibly Chart Thai and Puea Pandin.
A few Democrat MPs protested, saying it appeared the number of votes exceeded that of the participants at yesterday's House meeting. Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai said some participants might have voted on behalf of some absentees as well.
But his protest was ignored by the meeting chairman, first deputy House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond.
Chai defended himself on learningthe result. He said that since first elected as an MP in 1969, he has had no tainted record.
"I am honest and my good performance has been obvious. I have won the trust of voters," he said, adding he believed the attacks against him over the land encroachment court case were politically motivated.
He said the court battle would continue for many years to come.
Chai said he held no grudges over the 12 abstentions, who obviously came from coalition MPs. He also was not upset that Banharn Silpa-archa, leader of the coalition Chart Thai Party, was absent from yesterday's meeting to select the new House Speaker. Banharn said earlier that he was occupied with some business.
Chai yesterday promised to promote reconciliation between the government and opposition parties.
Banharn said he had congratulated Chai for being voted the new House Speaker, but expressed concern over how well Chai would perform his duties, judging from his poor record as the government chief whip.
Chart Thai MP Kanchana Silpa-archa, who is Banharn's daughter, expressed concern that Chai's court case would eventually land him in the same trouble as Yongyuth.
Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday called on Chai to perform his duty without bias in order to restore confidence in the House Speaker.
Khon Kaen University lecturer Somphan Techa-athik yesterday attributed Chai's success of becoming new House Speaker to the strong influence of his son, Newin Chidchob.
Newin is one of the 111 former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party who have been stripped of their electoral rights for five years.
Somphan said despite his long years in the House, Chai has no apparent lawmaking experience that would make him suitable for the job.
Lt Colonel Sangworn Phupaijitkul, the policeman who once dealt with the land encroachment case against Chai, said it was improper for the person facing such a criminal case to become head of the legislative branch.
In a related development, Newin yesterday hosted a dinner for a group of northeastern MPs at a Bangkok hotel to celebrate his father's new role.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/13/politics/politics_30072927.php
CHAI CHIDCHOB FACTFILE
By The Nation
Published on May 13, 2008
Chai Chidchob, 80, was born in Surin province and completed his high-school education there.
He began his career in politics by being appointed as a kamnan in Buri Ram province and became known by many locals as "Kamnan Chai".
His first experience in national politics began in 1957. Chai contested a seat as a Democrat Party candidate in Surin, but failed to get elected.
In 1969, he ran in Buri Ram as an independent candidate and managed to win. He was then re-elected many times. Chai, who is now a People Power Party MP, was previously affiliated with many political parties, including Samakkhitham, Chart Thai, Solidarity and Thai Rak Thai.
He is married to La-ong and they have five sons and one daughter. One of Chai's sons is Newin Chidchob, a powerful politician in the lower northeastern region who has been stripped of his electoral rights for five years. The PPP nomination of Chai as the House speaker is partly credited to Newin.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/13/politics/politics_30072928.php
FAMOUS FESTIVAL
Minister keen to patent full moon party
SUPAPONG CHAOLAN & KULTIDA SAMABUDDHI
Commerce Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan plans to patent the full moon party - an idea which an intellectual property law expert calls "impractical".
Mr Mingkwan yesterday said he had instructed his officials to patent the full moon party, to prevent other countries from copying Thailand's famous festival.
The all-night beach bash is held each full moon on the tourist island of Koh Phangan, off Surat Thani province. The party draws large numbers of young foreign tourists.
The idea of copyrighting the full moon party, the minister said, came to him after he learned that Singapore had organised a similar party on its artificial island of Sentosa.
Besides seeking to protect the party's name from commercial use in foreign countries, the ministry would also promote the full moon party as a "selling point" while promoting Thai tourist attractions abroad, Mr Mingkwan said during a meeting with members of Surat Thani's chamber of commerce. But intellectual property law expert Jade Donavanik said the minister's idea was impractical.
"Not everything can be patented," he said, adding that under intellectual property law, objects available for protection must be inventions; literary, scientific and artistic works; performances; or trademarks. "The full moon party doesn't fit any category. It's neither an artistic work, an invention, nor a traditional custom," he said.
Mr Jade said he understood the minister's intention was to promote the festival as a unique form of party in Thailand, but this could not be done.
Patenting the full moon party as a Thai tourism product was also impossible because the words "full moon" and "party" are generic names anyone can use, Mr Jade said.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26May2008_news002.php
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